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Environment Minister, John Griffiths has launched a new planning policy for Wales which he says will ensure the planning system promotes growth in the economy but also provides sustainable development.

The new policy stresses that local authorities should give careful consideration to economic, environmental and social factors – all of which affect local residents' well-being.

This new policy is about balance. It recognises that jobs and growth are essential to Wales’ economy, but also recognises that we must never lose sight of the other factors that are vital to people’s long term quality of life.

– Environment Minister John Griffiths

The Minister was speaking as he visited a project in Penrhiwceiber, Mountain Ash where local homes are being upgraded with energy saving improvements such as internal and external wall insulation and solar thermal panels for solar hot water. The project is being highlighted as an example of how development can boost the local economy and provide jobs while also delivering environmental and quality of life improvements